Today is 'The Day the Music Died'

It was on this day 56 years ago that the plane carrying Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and The Big Bopper crashed in Clear Lake Iowa. The accident killed all three musicians, as well as pilot Roger Peterson.

The crash, as well as the story of these 3 performers, has been immortalized in plays like 'The Buddy Holly Story.' That musical is constantly performed at high schools throughout the country, and Gary Busey was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Holly in the movie. In 1994, Weezer paid tribute to Holly in song.

Lou Diamond Phillips brought Valens back to life in the 1987 “La Bamba.”

Of course Don McLean keeps the story of the sad day alive with his 1971 classic “American Pie.”